Glossary

QA – Quality Assurance

QA (Quality Assurance) is a systematic process focused on ensuring that products, services, or systems consistently meet defined quality standards and customer expectations. It involves establishing well-documented procedures, standards, and practices aimed at preventing defects, improving processes, and delivering reliable and high-quality outcomes.

Unlike Quality Control (QC), which focuses on identifying defects in finished products, QA is proactive — it emphasizes process-oriented activities that aim to build quality into every stage of development and production.

Key elements of QA include:

• Process Design and Standardization: Developing clear, repeatable processes that ensure quality from the beginning.

• Continuous Improvement: Using feedback loops (like audits, reviews, and lessons learned) to constantly enhance methods and outcomes.

• Validation and Verification: Making sure that both processes and final products meet all requirements and specifications.

• Training and Competency Management: Ensuring that people involved in the work are properly trained and capable.

• Documentation and Auditing: Keeping accurate records and regularly checking processes for compliance with standards.

• Risk Management: Identifying potential risks to quality early and mitigating them before they affect outcomes.

Primary Goals of Quality Assurance:

• Prevent errors and defects.

• Improve efficiency and consistency.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards (like ISO 9001, CMMI, or sector-specific frameworks).

• Enhance customer satisfaction by delivering dependable, high-qualityproducts or services.

QA practices are crucial across many industries, including software development, manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.

QAR – Quick Access Recorder

Quick Access Recorder (QAR) is an onboard aircraft device that records flight data for easy retrieval and analysis. Unlike traditional black boxes, QARs are designed to provide fast access to flight data for operational monitoring, performance analysis, and safety reviews.

Website: www.icao.int

QC – Quality Control

QC (Quality Control) is the process of inspecting, testing, and reviewing products, services, or outputs to ensure they meet specified quality standards and requirements. It is a product-focused and reactive activity aimed at identifying and correcting defects after a product has been developed or a service has been delivered.

Unlike Quality Assurance (QA), which focuses on preventing defects by improving processes, QC focuses on detecting defects in the final output and ensuring that only products that meet standards reach the customer.

Key components of QC include:

• Inspection: Checking products manually or with tools to detect flaws or nonconformities.

• Testing: Performing tests (e.g., stress tests, usability tests, chemical analysis) to ensure products function or perform as expected.

• Measurement and Sampling: Using statistical methods to examine a sample batch to infer the quality of the entire production run.

• Defect Identification and Correction: Finding defects and taking action to correct them or prevent their recurrence.

• Acceptance Criteria: Defining clear standards and thresholds that products must meet to be considered acceptable.

Primary Goals of Quality Control:

• Detect defects and nonconformities before products reach customers.

• Ensure consistency and reliability of outputs.

• Reduce waste and rework by catching problems early in the final stages.

• Provide feedback to improve upstream processes (often feeding into Quality Assurance).

QC is essential in industries like manufacturing, construction, pharmaceuticals, food production, and software testing — anywhere consistent output quality is critical.

QCD – Quality, Cost, and Delivery

Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) is a key performance metric in the automotive industry that evaluates a company’s ability to produce high-quality products at a reasonable cost and deliver them on time. QCD is essential for maintaining competitiveness and customer satisfaction in the supply chain.

QCM – Quality and Compliance Monitoring

Quality and Compliance Monitoring (QCM) in aerospace refers to the continuous monitoring of quality standards and regulatory compliance in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. QCM ensures that aviation products and services meet safety regulations and performance requirements.

QDC – Qualified Deteriorated Component

Qualified Deteriorated Component (QDC) refers to an automotive part that has been identified as deteriorated but still meets specific qualification standards for continued use. QDC components are often monitored for signs of further wear or degradation to ensure safe operation.

QEC – Quick Engine Change

Quick Engine Change (QEC) is a system used in aerospace to enable the fast removal and replacement of an aircraft engine. QEC kits include all necessary components and tools to speed up engine swaps, reducing aircraft downtime and ensuring operational efficiency.

QFD – Quality Function Deployment

QFD (Quality Function Deployment) is a structured method used to transform customer needs and expectations (the voice of the customer) into detailed technical requirements and plans for product or service development. It ensures that what is important to customers is systematically prioritized and built into the design, production, and delivery processes.

QFD helps bridge the gap between what customers want and how a company makes it happen. It typically uses a tool called the House of Quality, a matrix that maps customer requirements against the ways an organization can meet them.

Key steps in QFD include:

• Capturing customer needs: Through surveys, interviews, focus groups, or observations.

• Prioritizing needs: Assessing which needs are most critical to customer satisfaction.

• Translating needs into technical requirements: Defining measurable product or service features that address those needs.

• Developing relationships: Linking customer requirements to technical specifications and identifying how strongly each requirement is related.

• Benchmarking competitors: Comparing how well competitors meet customer needs.

• Planning improvements: Setting targets for technical specifications based on customer priorities and competitive analysis.

Primary Goals of QFD:

• Increase customer satisfaction by designing products and services that closely match customer desires.

• Reduce development time and costs by clearly identifying critical features early.

• Improve cross-functional collaboration between marketing, design, engineering, and manufacturing teams.

• Minimize the risk of missing key customer needs or adding unnecessary features.

QFD is widely used in industries like automotive, electronics, software, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods — anywhere understanding and meeting customer expectations is crucial.

QFE – The Q-Code for: Atmospheric Pressure at Aerodrome Elevation (or at Runway Threshold)

QFE is a Q-code used in aviation to represent the atmospheric pressure at a specific location, typically the aerodrome elevation or runway threshold. Pilots use the QFE setting on their altimeter to ensure accurate altitude readings relative to the ground at the airport.

QHSE – Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment

Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) refers to an integrated management system that ensures a company adheres to the highest standards in product quality, occupational health, workplace safety, and environmental sustainability. QHSE systems are critical for minimizing risks and promoting sustainable practices.

QMS – Quality Management System

Quality Management System (QMS) is a formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality objectives in an organization. A QMS helps ensure consistent product quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across business operations.

READ MORE ABOUT ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS 9100, ISO 13485

QNE – The Q-Code for Pressure Altitude

QNE is a Q-code used in aviation to indicate pressure altitude when the altimeter is set to the standard atmospheric pressure of 29.92 inches of mercury (Hg). QNE is used during flight in areas above the transition altitude to ensure standard altimeter settings across all aircraft.

QNH – The Q-Code for: Altimeter Sub-Scale Setting to Obtain Elevation When on the Ground (i.e., Altitude Above MSL)

QNH is a Q-code used by pilots to set the altimeter to the local air pressure at sea level, providing accurate altitude readings above mean sea level (MSL). This setting is used during landing and takeoff to ensure precise altitude measurements relative to the terrain.

QNJAC – Quarries National Joint Advisory Committee

Quarries National Joint Advisory Committee (QNJAC) is a UK-based committee that advises on health and safety practices within the quarrying industry. QNJAC works with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to promote best practices in risks management and operational safety.

Website: www.hse.gov.uk

QP – Qualified Person

Qualified Person (QP) in the medical field refers to an individual who is authorized by regulatory bodies to ensure that products, especially pharmaceuticals, meet all required quality standards before they are released for sale or use. QPs play a crucial role in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

QPA – Quarry Products Association (Formerly BACMI & SAGA)

Quarry Products Association (QPA) is a UK-based trade association representing the quarrying and mineral products industry. The QPA, previously known as BACMI and SAGA, promotes the sustainable use of resources and supports environmental and safety initiatives in the sector.

Website: www.mineralproducts.org

QPM – Quality Policy Manual

Quality Policy Manual (QPM) is a formal document that outlines an organization’s commitment to quality management, including its quality objectives, processes, and procedures. The QPM serves as a guide for ensuring that all activities comply with quality standards and regulatory requirements in the medical field.

QR – Quality & Reliability

Quality & Reliability (QR) refers to the consistent performance and durability of automotive components and systems. In the automotive industry, QR is a critical measure that ensures products meet stringent safety and operational standards throughout their lifecycle.

QRA – Quick Reaction Alert

Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) is an aerospace defense protocol that ensures military aircraft are on standby and ready to respond immediately to potential threats. QRA forces are deployed to intercept unauthorized or hostile aircraft entering protected airspace.

QRH – Quick Reference Handbook

Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) is a manual used by pilots containing essential checklists and procedures for handling normal and emergency situations during flight. The QRH provides a quick guide to resolving issues that may arise in the cockpit, helping ensure safety and efficiency.

QRP – Quality and Reliability Panel

Quality and Reliability Panel (QRP) refers to a team of experts in the automotive industry who evaluate the quality and reliability of vehicle components and systems. The panel assesses whether products meet the required standards and recommends improvements if necessary.

QSAR – Quantity Structure Activity Relationship

Quantity Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) is a method used in chemical risk assessment to predict the effects of chemical substances based on their molecular structure. Under the REACH regulations, QSAR helps evaluate the safety of chemicals used in automotive manufacturing.

QSB Quality Systems Basics

QSB in the automotive industry typically refers to Quality Systems Basics, a program designed to improve product quality by ensuring that key processes are understood and followed by manufacturers. It focuses on standardizing production processes to ensure consistent quality across the supply chain.

QSP – Quality System Procedure

Quality System Procedure (QSP) is a detailed document that outlines the steps and processes involved in maintaining a company’s quality management system. QSPs are used in the medical field to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for product safety and effectiveness.

QSR – Quality System Regulations

Quality System Regulations (QSR) are regulatory requirements set by authorities like the FDA that govern the design, manufacturing, and distribution of medical devices. QSRs ensure that products are safe, effective, and meet stringent quality standards before being brought to market.

Website: www.fda.gov